Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka has revealed that midfielder Ben Watson could be used as a defender amid the Reds' injury crisis, after speaking to the Nottingham Post.

The Reds have been hit with an injury downfall of late, with regular starters Michael Dawson and Danny Fox ruled of action with a hamstring injury and a foot injury respectively.

With Tobias Figueiredo also out of action for the Reds' home clash with Preston this weekend due to suspension, Forest's options in defence are limited - however Karanka has insisted that he is "well-stocked" in every position.

The Spaniard said: "We are ready and well stocked in every position - we need to keep calm and not drive ourselves crazy, we  have two players injured and one suspended,"

"But we have other players who can play in that position - we have Jack (Robinson) who can play there, we have Claudio Yacob who can play there and Ben Watson who can play in that position."

The latter, despite being given the captaincy at the start of the season, has been short of form this season and has been in and out of the first-team, making just ten starts in all competitions this term.

Forest currently sit are up to 5th in the Sky Bet Championship table having lost just twice all season, going seven games without a defeat.

The Verdict

This is great news for Watson - he hasn't been at his best this season, but with Forest limited in defence, this could open a door for the 33-year old.

Forest really need to strengthen their defence in January.